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Grand opening of the Abbeville library

December 7, 2003—The grand opening of the new Vermilion Parish Library in Abbeville took place today.  It was built on the same spot where the Fenwick Sanitarium (Palms Hospital) once stood.  On hand for the occasion were Governor-Elect Kathleen Blanco, Abbeville Mayor Mark Piazza, Thomas F. Jacques of the Louisiana State Library, and other dignitaries.  After the invocation and the blessing of the new library by Father William Blanda, the flag corps of Vermilion Parish veterans raised the colors for the first time on the three new flagpoles in front of the building—the United States flag, the Louisiana flag, and the City of Abbeville flag.

Library Director Jackie Choate acted as mistress of ceremonies.  She introduced Rochelle Dugas, assistant to Governor-Elect Kathleen Blanco, who congratulated the people on the new facility.  Governor-Elect Blanco then spoke about the importance of reading and the important benefits that would accrue to Vermilion Parish from the new library.  Abbeville Mayor Mark Piazza thanked the newly elected governor for coming, and added his congratulations on the new library.  State Librarian Thomas F. Jacques then spoke about how he has used the Vermilion Parish Library as a model for others to follow on account of its excellent staff, facilities, and creative programs.  He emphasized the importance of reading, and urged the people of Abbeville to use the new library to the fullest.  Director Choate spoke about the importance of libraries not only for the past and present, but for the future as well.  She pointed out the interesting carved mural at the entrance to the library, which was made by a woman from Texas, and which depicts many facets of Vermilion Parish history and culture.

The governor-elect then cut the ribbon, officially opening the new library.  The crowd was invited to tour the facility and to partake of refreshments, including a cake decorated with an artistic rendition of the new library in frosting.  The interior is spacious, well-lit, and airy, and the books are well arranged into departments.  One of the interesting features of the new library is the incorporation of two modern meeting rooms which will be available to community groups even when the rest of the library is closed and locked.

Abbeville and Vermilion Parish can be proud to have such a well-designed and modern facility for the use of its people.  Here are a few images from the grand opening:

The artistic cake	The crowd gathered at 2:00 p.m.
The veterans' flag corps	Governor-elect Kathleen Blanco
Thomas F. Jacques	Mayor Mark Piazza, Bettie Jenkins (Jackie's mother), Director Jackie Choate, Rochelle Dugas, Hon. Kathleen Blanco, Library Board member René Breaux.

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